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Used 1999 Pontiac Firebird Hatchback Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
22 reviews

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Pros
Cons
4.13 out of 5 stars

1999 3.8L V6 automatic

abcizdaman, 06/07/2011
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

I just recently went on a road trip from the Hi-Desert, CA to both Phoenix and Prescott, AZ. The care handles very nicely and is fun to drive. The only thing is it made my back sore after driving 300 miles. It's not really a car built for comfort, especially for a tall person like me who's pushing 6'3". It has awesome styling and pretty good acceleration for a V6. It gets alot of head turns, especially at night with its stylish headlights. Without any additions it tops out at 118 to 119mph. I'm sure with a supercharger and/or turbo it would max out around 130 to 150mph. I'm just guessing though. It comes standard with a crappy stereo system that has alot of issues. I changed it out

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love my Bird

Truckin2001, 03/08/2005
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought my Firebird used with 73,000 miles on it. I have had now for about 1 month and so far so good. I have had one head light motor go about. But think about it. The gear on the inside of the motor is plastic... stupid yes but that is what it is. You can go out and buy metal replacement gears for both motors for half the cost of buying a new motor from the dealership. So those of you who complain of light motors going out look at other cars out there with flip up lights... I am sure if you ask their owners they have had problems with theirs as well. Yes the Firebird is a sports car. Who buys a sports car for rear seat room and trunk space? If you want that go out and buy the Grand Prix.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Red Firebird

flybigrc, 05/15/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The car drives very smooth on the highway and with the T-Tops off is a blast in the summer. I have not had any major problems that were not covered by the warrabty. The catalytic converter was replaced a rear pinion seal and a steering sluid seal. All covered under warranty.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

my firebird review

dr2, 02/04/2003
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have had 3 sets of window motors replaced, 1 battery, 1 alternator, 2 intake manifolds, 2 gaskets, and now have a new engine assembly. This car has been nothing but trouble for me. I may have had a lemon, but nothing happened for about a year. Other than engine probs, I have a blown speaker,replaced a rear seal on the hatch, and i pushed a hole in the console with 1 finger, while I was cleaning it. The plastic on both door panels is splitting. Anyone else have probs like this?

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5 out of 5 stars

Owned since new....

D. A., 05/03/2016
1999 Pontiac Firebird Formula 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Excellent performance. Rated 349hp by NHRA! 30mpg in 6th gear at 65mph. As close as you can get to a 60's muscle car in a late model car.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
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4.38 out of 5 stars

Lots of Work

Cruzincool, 06/04/2010
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I owned a 1997 Firebird before I bought this one and sold it with 167k and never had a single issue out of it, so naturally I bought another one. This one has been nothing but a headache. After having the vehicle for a week, my check engine light came on. Misfire due to bent valve and my automatic tensioner was bad. $1300 to fix. Three weeks later, car started running rough, then not at all. I had to replace all three coil packs and ignition module. Chrome rims had some sort of defect where they would not hold air, so I had to buy another set. Then yesterday it started the same rough running as before. Also, the electrical systems randomly quit operating and turn signals burn out in 2 days.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

love the car

bill, 08/02/2006
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

The car's great, except for the headlight doors. I had an earlier model and it had the same problem.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

99 Formula Bird

John K, 06/06/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird Formula 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Good car, look at numbers

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Bang for the Buck

gcatena, 07/30/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird Formula 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is the most fun car I have ever driven the power of the V-8 is superb. I'm surprised with some of these reviews saying they had major problems. The only problem I have had in three years is the clutch sticking and that just turned out to be a bushing that was out of alignment. Maybe I was lucky, but my Formula has been prefroming like a champ since purchase and I ride it hard. Could use a little sprucing up with the interior, but what do you expect for under $30K.

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5 out of 5 stars

BTA Firebird Review

flybigrc, 02/03/2003
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Really fun car to drive. A real head turner. Interior controls are well laid out. Cup holder could be bigger. Actually can fit two adults in back seat unlike any other sports car. (e.g. Mustang, RX7). Great 10 speaker stereo and lots of after market upgrades if you are into that.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

my review

gagirl, 01/13/2004
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had my '99 for three yrs now and have been fairly pleased. I have had to replace the altenator once and a window motor once, other than that just routine maintenance. I'm trying to sell the car because I have two children that have outgrown the small back seat but then again it's a sports car not an suv.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Firebird review

tbonacci, 01/25/2006
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The only problem i have encountered is a faulty head light motor, the motor that raises the concealed headlight. It rumbles whenever the alarm is armed or headlights are lowered, it only last 7 seconds. Changing out he light motor requires a dealership and cost 252.00. Other than that the car is virtually perfect. The positioning of the cataylitic converted is problematic for the passenger, but since i don't sit there it doesn't bother me that much.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Lots of fun, but not worth it!

SilverBird0000, 06/05/2004
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I got this car as a gift when I turned 16.I am now 19 and wish I would have never saw it!It is an awesome car to drive,i've had alot of memories and fun in it.But I've have to have it in the shop every other month for the last year.I've had to replace the turn signals mulitple times,the catalitic converter twice,new battery,fuel injectors,plugs and wires twice,also had to have the O2 sensors replaced.The car has 72K miles on it and has had problems since 30K.Power window motors each replaced twice.The rotors also where shot at 40K miles.The speakers are also all blown.The car was fun for the first year now I hate it!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

hot bird

ed farmer, 07/25/2004
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i haved owned my car for several years and i plan on keeping this car for a very long time. I realy enjoy my firebird.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Luv this car!!

Partygirl, 06/14/2006
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've owned my 99 firebird for the past 3 years and although it isn't the best to drive during the winter months I have to say I look forward to the summer when I can take off the T-tops! This car definately gets one noticed! The only problems I've had with it are a blown alternator and some electrical issues but other than that its been an awesome car all around! Everyone loves it!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

1999 Firebird

rotc6girl9, 04/04/2007
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great reliability and quality. It also has great performance, much better than most imports and the exterior design is amazing. These types of cars really are beautiful

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Too much fun

tom, 06/23/2007
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have a silver 5 speed, T-top coupe with a V6-lot's of power and appeal. Yes the bucket seat is too low, rear visibility is not good, interior could be prettier.etc.but at the end of the day, driving this thing with the top off if just too much fun. I love the exterior look. I still grin as I walk out to the parking lot and see it waiting. Driving it is excellent therapy and a tension reliever-even my wife feels that way when she roars off shifting gears like a stock car racer. My neighbor has a new Vette ('06) also silver and frankly, side by side, look to look I really think my old beast still holds its own-especially when you compare our investments!

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2.25 out of 5 stars

Nothing but problems

tribal sun, 05/07/2003
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I can't believe the problems I've had with this car. I've had both light motors replaced. All lights on the car no matter when you replaced them, have been replaced like weekly. Bad window and antenna motor. Now I have a HUGE Tranny problem that no one seems to know about unless I dish out $1000 up front to take it apart! I would never wish this upon my worst Enemy.....Good luck

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4.75 out of 5 stars

My Firebied

Leslie2762, 11/30/2007
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my Firebird and I would purchase a current model if available. However, my love is so vast, it does overshadow the new transmission, air compressor, alternator, and just about every belt, window motor, plug, or fluid that exists.

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4 out of 5 stars

Great Styling

ABC, 07/20/2024
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

And that's about it! At least for the 3.6L V6. It had no power really. Sure, it was 200hp with 225tq, but mine didn't really "get up and go". I test drove a 2000 V8 Trans Am once, and it was fast! Anyway, I liked the flip up headlights and the T-tops. The car also had decent sized tires. The limiter was set to 115mph, but in all reality the car probably couldn't go much faster than that. It was a nice looking car. I also had a 1991 V8 that had 170hp with 255tq that felt just as sluggish. Both cars had an issue with their alternator, so that might be a thing with Firebirds of this era. Also the actuator, headlamp motor, went out on this 1999. It's a nice looking car but recall having some issues here and there with it.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Nice, but be careful

daman617, 04/08/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love this car, I really do... but if you think you are getting a maintance free car, think again. I've had to replace the cadilidic converter, transmition, and window motors all in a matter of 8 months. It's a fun car to drive, but again with any sports car, be prepared to put up with some headaches. Also, upgrading some of the performance peices can be a snap, but others can be a pain in the rear. For example, the engine is mounted sideways, so replacing spark plugs can be a chore. NOTE, I only gave the performance a six becuase the relaibility is so poor.... mine is increased to a good 230 HP and it handles great, but becuase of shop problems I'm often left wondering.

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1.25 out of 5 stars

SO MANY PROBLEMS!!!!!!

Gavin, 06/10/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I'm so upset with my '99 base V6 firebird 5spd. It's had so many problems with it that I cannot stand it anymore! I've had over $5,000 worth of repairs in a little over a year. This is not a sports car at all! People say "they should expect failures because it's a sports car" I laugh at them in dispair! A Ferrari is a sports car....do you see multiple things on them breaking every month?!? NO!!!!! I rest my case and am selling my car!

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